Improving Revis says it's a 'possibility,' he plays vs Miami

Darrelle Revis was the only Bucs’ defensive back who was not challenged by his long-time nemesis, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Tuesday. In fact, Brady never looked his direction.

A sign of respect? Not necessarily. Revis was held out of drills and team work against New England.

"That would give me some tips if I could be out here against Tom and going on one-on-ones because it's great competition,'' Revis said.

But Revis might not have to wait much longer to compete. He said there is a 'possibility,' he could play in the Bucs third preseason game in 11 days, Aug. 24, at Miami. That would put Revis three weeks ahead of the Bucs' timetable, which targeted his return for the regular season opener against the New York Jets.

Revis said he would benefit from playing in the preseason.

"I think that's a good thing to do,'' Revis said. "Like I said, we've also got to take it day by day, but as I progress and keep on getting better, which I am doing, that's a possibility of me playing that (preseason) Week 3.

"We'll see. I can't give you an answer right now. I've got to talk to Mark Dominik and coach Schiano and we have to hash it out that way. It's a process. The quotes that Mark said, it's all predicated on just my strides everyday, just going out here doing one-on-ones off to the side, just getting that pop back in my left leg and driving back to the ball on routes. I think that's the key and that's the improvement we've been seeing each day.''

On Monday, Revis passed a milepost of sorts when he competed in a seven-on-seven, red zone drill and was beaten for a touchdown reception by receiver Vincent Jackson. Revis fell to the ground but had no issues with the knee.

The Bucs decided to allow Revis to accompany the team to Foxborough, Mass., for three days of workouts with the Patriots prior to Friday night's preseason game.

Revis has been reluctant to guarantee he will be ready to play in the season opener against the the Jets. He is equally cautious when predicting whether he will play against the Dolphins.

"I'm still going to say it's too soon,'' Revis said. "I'm getting excited as well. I know Mark is and coach Schiano is as well. It's day to day. I did seven on seven yesterday and it's just taking precaution but also improving and just trying to get back out there and be with my teammates.''

However, Revis said whenever he returns to the football field, he expects to perform at the same level as he did before the suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

"I think I'll be fine,'' Revis said. "I think at the end of the day, you've got to go through the ACL process and waiting, and 'hey, let's do these drills and these exercises, let's be patient, let's not get on the field yet, let's get on the field.' I'll be fine. Trust me. I'm back to my old self. I'm getting there. It's just a confidence and just trying to get that knee drive and breaking on balls.''

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WILL VRAGOVIC | Times

Darrelle Revis, right, with head coach Greg Schiano, said he would benefit from playing in the preseason.

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